RENSSELAER — Several families were chased from their homes Wednesday evening by a fast-moving fire that damaged two apartment buildings and a business in the 900 block of Broadway.

No injuries were reported and firefighters from more than half a dozen area fire companies, including the city of Rensselaer, were still on the scene at 10 p.m.

The fire was first reported at about 7:30 p.m.

Details were limited but fire officials said it appears the blaze began in the rear of a three-story apartment at 901 Broadway and spread to another three-story apartment building at 903 Broadway.

There also were unofficial reports that one of the buildings had been undergoing renovation, but both of the buildings had occupants. A dog perished in the fire.

As of 10 p.m., the fire was under control and firefighters were wetting down hot spots as a precaution against the fire rekindling.

Witnesses said flames and thick black smoke could be seen prominently from I-787 just before sunset.

Police radio reports indicated the fire did not affect rail traffic coming into or going out of the nearby Rensselaer train station, but rail officials were notified of the thick, dark billowing smoke.

The fire was on Broadway at the intersection with Harrison Avenue.

The buildings sit on a side hill exposed to the gusting winds which fanned the flames and helped the fire to quickly spread.